The rise of wind energy raises questions about its reliability #USA

By National Wind Watch Steven Somsen’s farm got a new addition last year, breaking up fields of wheat and soybeans that span as far as the eye can see from his rural North Dakota home. “We ended up with some towers on our property,” he says, nodding toward the giant, spinning, white wind turbines dotting the farmland around his house. Xcel Energy, a Midwest-based utility, installed three on his land, among the 100 turbines placed near his remote community of Courtenay. “It’s something different . . .